CCISD approves new fees for extracurricular activities

Students in Clear Creek Independent School District will soon have to pay to play in any extracurricular activity, including track, football and even theater, band and choir.

School district leaders in Clear Creek say they don't want to place another burden on families whose kids want to participate in extra-curricular activities. But they say right now economic times are tough.

Parents across Clear Creek ISD will soon have to cough up a little cash if they want their kids to participate in extracurricular activities. It's all because of more big budget cuts.

CCISD spokesperson Elaina Polsen said, "The idea of eliminating or reducing any one of those opportunities for our kids is certainly not something that we are in a position to entertain."

Polsen says the school board just approved adding extracurricular fees for any student participating in athletics, fine arts, and some academic electives, beginning next school year. Polsen says the district expects to lose another $4 million from its budget on top of the $13 million shortfall it had this year.

Some parents say they don't mind paying an annual fee.

"I used to be a teacher and I know how important it is to have all the things that our kids have," said parent Lisa O'Brien. "If we have to help pay for that so that they can continue to have the standard of education that they're getting here, then I'm all for it."

The fee structure was developed by a District Committee led by Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, Dr. Alex Torrez.

"We looked at the surrounding districts and other districts our size," said Torrez. "The fee structure we came up with is in-line or in many cases less than fees other districts have in place."

Students will pay one fee of either $50 or $30, no matter how many activities they are involved in. The money generated by the fees will go to help pay for the purchase and maintenance of uniforms and equipment.

The fee structure will go into effect for the 2012-2013 school year.

FEE STRUCTURE: High School $50 for the first high school student in the family $30 for each additional high school student in the same family (up to 3) Any additional students are free.

Intermediate $30 for the first intermediate student in the family $20 for each additional intermediate student in the same family (up to 3) Any additional students are free.

The fee for students that qualify for the free and reduced meal program is one half the cost of the standard fee. District fees apply to programs which involve a sponsor, travel, and competition.

If a student participates in both an athletics program and a fine arts program, only one fee is paid, not one for each program. For example, a high school student who is on the swim team and sings in the choir will pay $50.

The new extracurricular fees include, but are not limited to, the following programs: